Abuja, Nigeria — Former Vice President and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, paid a solidarity visit to former Kaduna State Governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai following what he described as a failed attempt to arrest the former governor at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
Atiku shared details of the visit on his Facebook page on Friday, stating that El-Rufai remained resolute and undeterred by the incident.
“Last night, I paid a solidarity visit to the former Governor of Kaduna State and stalwart of the African Democratic Congress, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, following the failed attempt to arrest him at the airport upon his arrival in the country. He was unfazed by the incident and remains committed to the battle to enthrone a better Nigeria,” Atiku wrote.
El-Rufai, a prominent figure in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former governor of Kaduna State, reportedly clashed with security operatives on Thursday night after arriving in Abuja from Cairo, Egypt. Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) allegedly attempted to arrest him and seized his international passport.
During the visit, Atiku criticized the EFCC’s actions, accusing the agency of partisanship. He also warned that such violations of human rights could lead to nationwide unrest.
“I hope they will learn from what they saw at the airport because it was people on their own that resisted the arrest. What they don’t understand is that there could be a revolution in this country because people will no longer accept the violation of their human rights. What happened at the airport was absolutely uncalled for,” Atiku said.
Analysts Weigh In
Political analysts have provided mixed opinions on the incident. Some argue that Atiku’s visit signals growing tensions between political elites and security agencies, highlighting concerns over selective enforcement and partisanship. Others contend that, regardless of political affiliations, all former public office holders must be accountable for their tenure.
Beyond the solidarity visit, a critical question remains:
Shouldn’t El-Rufai present himself and answer for his actions instead of framing everything as political persecution?
After eight years in office in Kaduna State, accountability is not optional — it is necessary. Public service comes with responsibility, and leadership must always be open to scrutiny.
So here’s the big question:
Is this truly political victimisation — or simply the process of accountability taking its course?
As the situation unfolds, Nigerians and political observers alike will be watching closely to see how both El-Rufai and the authorities navigate the balance between lawful accountability and perceived political interference.
